Fuel Efficient Used Cars

Frustratingly enough, we can't individually control gas prices, now or what they might rise to. The political process is a slow grind and in the meantime, we all have to drive. What we can control is how much fuel we need to use, and what better way to do that than choose the most comfortable of the fuel efficient cars widely available?

Courtesy of resedabear

There are several schools of thought when it comes to buying fuel efficient used cars, and you will need to examine your transportation needs, your pocketbook balance, your mechanical ability or lack of it, and your politics to determine which of these best fuel efficient cars to consider:

1. Here's a radical one for frugal living experts: Try your hand at fixing an old $500.00 Mercedes diesel and then make your own bio diesel. The savings are staggering if you are tired of rising gas prices, are serious about taking care of yourselves, and don't care to compete with the Jones. Seriously, there are still Americans out there capable of doing this themselves. I can attest, as I am surrounded by them in my Western Oregon town. Alternative fuels for cars are available to make freely.

2. Next up, this one is good for most of us, who really do not want to fix our own cars, but need reliable, safe and inexpensive transportation. Buy only slightly used, say, three years max and less than 50,000 miles on them. Thousands can be shaved off the initial purchase price, which can be applied to your gas fund. These may even be partially under warranty, and they will have a good 8-10 years of drive in them. Try this 2007 mini cooper on at a used price of 32/40 city/freeway miles and a price off the lot of 13,500.00. In this economy you may be able to do even better buying private.

Courtesy of resedabear

3. Buy used Hybrids. Yes, the term hybrid brings up thoughts of overly high prices on new technology. However, if you choose, for example, a used 2002 Prius you could save $7000.00 on the sticker on a new one, which is more than 21,725.00 before the dealer marks it up further! You will still win in a fuel economy comparison with a conventional car, getting upwards of 50 mpg in freeway miles. Talk about fuel efficient used cars, the hybrids rule.

4. Buy used Compacts. The years 2002-2003 are particularly well represented for used cars that you can get and let depreciation work it's magic. The fuel economy comparison of a small compact car at the pump is impressive. Try these on for fuel efficient cars:

Courtesy of ryan14072

002-03 Kia Rio- This little marvel has an overly generous 10 year warranty, so you will be covered on a used one for some time yet. They are cheap too, you can get a used Kia for 4-5,000 depending on the condition and the year.

2002-03 Ford Focus- This is a fun little drive for a run about car, and you should really look at a good used one. The 02 and 03 years can be had for an over 50% discount off the current new price of $16,913.00, at &6500.00-7500.00 used, you will be off and running.

So have a great time pursuing the savings as you buy one of the best fuel efficient cars around!

Courtesy of ryan14072